Anning was a frequent visitor to the royal court during the autumn and winter seasons this year.
The Empress Dowager was very fond of Anning, and her fondness became even more apparent after Anning brought her an embroidery of a Bodhisattva.
Emperor Pingle was a filial emperor. With the Empress Dowager favoring Anning, and Anning being a simple peasant woman who posed no threat, Emperor Pingle naturally was also happy to give Anning some recognition.
He awarded her the title of first-rank wife, in light of Anning's role in offering the landscape painting.
Hereinafter, with the imperial decree further raising her status, the Empress Dowager found even more reason to summon Anning.
The Empress Dowager entered the palace at the age of thirteen or fourteen and had been there for over thirty years. Life in the palace was dull and flavorless, and she found little joy in her everyday routine.
But ever since Anning came into her life, the Empress Dowager's days became interesting.
